Afternoon Highlights (27/06/13/108/786)Hamleys to open in KL by December

Hamleys to open in KL by December


KUALA LUMPUR (June 26, 2013): Iconic British toy store Hamleys is set to open its first Malaysian outlet in Kuala Lumpur by early December this year.

This follows the signing of a franchise agreement between Global Retail Venture (GRV) Toy Store and Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd to bring Hamleys to Malaysia.

GRV director Azlin Ishak said the company aims to open six to seven more stores over the next 10 years in Malaysia and Singapore.

"We are confident of being able to more than meet this goal and are currently looking at shopping malls for suitable space," she said.

In line with the Hamleys concept, the company is also looking at operations like stores or booth set-ups in certain venues for future outlets in Southeast Asia, she said, adding that a Hamleys outlet in Singapore Changi Airport and the KL International Airport in Sepang are a possibility.

"The investment for each outlet would be around RM6 million to RM7 million," she told reporters after the signing ceremony.

The event was witnessed by UK Minister of State for the Foreign Office Hugo Swire and British High Commissioner to Malaysia Simon Featherstone.

Azlin said revenue will grow by 50%, driven by new stores and brands for the next financial year, adding the company is eyeing one more new fashion brand by year-end.

"We are confident our partner GRV have demonstrated their expertise of the Malaysian market and experience in running several large franchises, including Blue Inc, Collezione, British Home Stores, Monsoon/Accessorize, Jane Norman, Peacocks, Sinequanone and Tape A L'oeil," Hamleys head of international franchise development Helen Barnish said.

Barnish noted the Hamleys management team continues to identify strong partners and viable markets for the continued growth of the finest toy shop in the world.

Hamleys is a global brand with 30 stores across 12 countries and territories including India, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Scandinavia.

Source : The Sun Daily
Date : 26 June 2013
Afternoon Highlights (27/06/13/108/786)